Understanding Your Colonoscopy Results

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In general, you will receive information about the results of your procedure two to three weeks after via MyChart, a call or letter. If you haven’t heard anything after three weeks, call your provider. Below are some more frequently asked questions regarding your results. 

What is a biopsy? How do I get the report?

Will I need follow-up appointments?

What is a biopsy? How do I get the report?

Is it normal for polyps to be detected?

What is a biopsy? How do I get the report?

A biopsy is the removal of tissue to examine it more closely. Your gastroenterology provider will discuss how to proceed if a biopsy was taken.  

Will I need follow-up appointments?

Everyone is recommended to return every 10 years for a repeat colonoscopy. If you’re at higher risk of colorectal cancer (see below), you may be asked to return every five or seven years. If results indicate, you may have a colonoscopy more frequently. If a polyp is removed or a biopsy is taken, your provider will direct you how to proceed.

What does it mean if a polyp is detected and/or removed?

Polyps can be pre-cancerous, cancerous or not cancerous at all (benign). If a polyp is removed during your colonoscopy, it will be taken to the lab for examination, and your provider will contact you with the results.

Is it normal for polyps to be detected?

It is fairly common for polyps to be found and removed during a colonoscopy. In general, polyps found during routine screening are benign or would take over 10 years to become cancerous.